The last week was a whirlwind of marketing materials as we submitted Ballads to various review sites and online stores. So it was a real treat today as I sat down to work on our next project. I haven’t had a serious writing day in years, so I really savored putting fingers to the keyboard to type something that wasn’t an email reply.

I’m happy to say I think I have the broad story strokes all figured out and I’ll be sketching character and background designs the rest of the week.

There’s nothing to show yet but I can tell you this is the first true collaboration by Steve and I. Usually I already have a story and Steve helps me figure out the design, but this time around Steve had a story world he wanted to explore so I jumped in and helped craft some tales with him.

We should have something to show you soon!

In Ballads news, response has been really great. Everyone seems to be really enjoying it, which is such a relief! So keep spreading the word and maybe we’ll get the attention of more review sites! As always thanks for the support, I’ll be doing a video blog real soon!

Yes, The Ballads of Reemus official launches today. I fought off exhaustion long enough to do this video blog last night.

Thank you everyone for all your kind words and positive feedback, it has really helped pull me over the finish line on this project. I’m just so happy to finally be launching this beast.

Now we all get to sit back and see what happens. So rest up and get ready to start a new gaming adventure soon!

ps. I was really tired when I did this blog, so forgive any incoherent ramblings.

pps. Both the downloadable and online version of Ballads are now live! Sorry for the delay, of course we had some last minute snags. Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be Ballads if we actually got it out on time. ha.

Play the Ballads of Reemus Demo here

Play The Several Journeys of Reemus Chapter 4 Here

Play and Rate Chapter 4 on Kongregate Here

Play and Rate Chapter 4 on Newgrounds Here

Read the first review of the game from Jay Is Games!

So 2012 has not one but two major projects launching for me. In addition to “The Ballads of Reemus” I’ll also be releasing a new album in February. It’s the debut from my new band “Of The North”.

Over the past few weekends we’ve been driving six hours up north to studio “French Kiss” to record 10 new songs my brother had written. It was a really great time and our friend Karl ended up shooting the entire thing.

So just before we left last weekend my brother and I cranked out this goofy little music video for the first track on the new album. It’s called “The Eyes Have it”. If you like your rock music loud and your music videos hammy, you’ll love this:

The album is set to release early February. If you want a physical copy of the album, we have a pre-sale package on right now. Check it out at www.ofthenorthband.com

I’ll also be doing a video blog this week to talk about the official Ballads launch date this Friday and some new things Steve and I have cooking!

Well we’re a few hours away from the early release. After years of hype it all comes down to this, so I took a few minutes to reflect on the journey today.

I was going to do a video blog, but I’m so exhausted my eyes can barely stay open. So for now here’s the latest, greatest news and I promise I’ll do a full video tomorrow!

THE BALLADS OF REEMUS HAS A TRAILER AND A RELEASE DATE!

Yes, it’s true!! On January 27th, 2012 the browser and downloadable version of the game will be released to the world. Pre-orderers will get early access to the game on Jan.13 though! Full details are posted on clickshakegames.com.

Now, enjoy the trailer. It contains lots of in-game footage. So if you don’t want to see any game scenes until you play it, don’t watch it.